I am looking forward to
a reunion if we have one. Hope everyone is doing well.
Daniel
Lange August 2, 2007I don't have much to
say about myself other than I have changed drastically since the year of
2000. I have been involved in the initial occupation of Afghanastan and
was on the front lines during the initial invasion into Iraq. My experiences
in the military have helped my come out of my shell so to speak. In high
school I was a loner and extremely quite. I just wanted to stay in my lane
and not be noticed. I have a beautiful wife and two very active and loving
boys. I am happy with the way things have turned out and am looking forward
to our 10 year reunion.
Jessica
McCarty February 13, 2007In 2005 I graduated from
Columbia College with a bachelor of arts degree in Psychology with a minor
in business. I am working now at Millers Professional Imaging in
Columbia, MO.
Alicia
Villiers October 14, 2009Junior year I enlisted
into the United States Navy as a Religious Program Specialist. My job is
basically a Chaplain's Assistant. I have been overseas to many different
countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, France, Italy, etc (the list
could go on for forever). Awesome opportunity and great experience. I loved
what I did. I didnt work a day in the 8 years I served Active because I
loved my job so much. In 2008 I unfortuneatly got Honorably Discharged
from the Navy. I still serve but as a Reservist and I am currently working
on going back active duty. Currently I work at BAE Systems Norfolk
Ship Repair in Norfolk, Virginia handling Government contracts so our USNavy
ships, cargo ships and supply ships that come into the yard can get fixed
by the companies that I give the thumbs up to come onto the shipyard and
vessels to complete the work. I am anxious for our 10year HS reunion
to reconnect with old friends. Best of luck to everyone!

The Houston Astros made Jake
Whitesides’ dreams come true yesterday when the organization selected the
former Hickman star during the first day of Major League Baseball’s First-Year
Player Draft.

Now Whitesides hopes to realize
the Astros’ expectations.

Hickman slugger Jake Whitesides
will take his talents to the professional ranks now that the Houston Astros
franchise drafted him yesterday in the fifth round of the MLB draft.Brian W. Kratzer photoSelected about two hours into
the draft with the 27th pick of the fifth round - the 157th overall - Whitesides
said he intends to relinquish his baseball scholarship to the University
of Arizona so he can pursue his life-long dream of playing major-league
baseball.

"They called seconds before they
drafted and asked if I’d sign in the fifth round," Whitesides said, recalling
the monumental phone call from the Astros organization.

After putting him on hold for
a few seconds, the voice on the line came back with the four words Whitesides
will never forget: "Congratulations, you’re a Houston Astro."

Whitesides won’t be an official
member of the Houston organization until he signs a minor-league contract,
but the left-handed slugger doesn’t expect a lengthy negotiation process.

"The money is not really a factor,"
Whitesides said. "I just want to make enough money starting out to get
me through until I make it to the major leagues."

The average signing bonus for
fifth-round picks last year was $174,000. Last year, Whitesides’ Hickman
teammate, left-handed pitcher Ryan McCullem, received a $100,000 signing
bonus as an eighth-round pick of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Astros scout Joe Robinson is
expected to be in Columbia later this week to begin contract talks.

Anderson said Whitesides’ build
- he stands about 5-foot-10-inches and weighs 185 pounds - and playing
style remind him of former New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies star
Lenny Dykstra.

Although some teams expressed
concern about Whitesides’ height, Robinson said it wasn’t an issue with
the Astros.

"We did not worry about his size,"
Robinson said. "He’s a legitimate center fielder. He can hit; he can run.
Now it’s time for him to show us what he can do so we can get him to the
big leagues."

Whitesides has been showing what
he can do at the high school level as a four-year starter in Kent Fewell’s
outfield. Whitesides has been an all-state outfielder since he was a freshman
and he ended his career as the state’s all-time home run leader with 46.

Although he’ll be swinging a
wood bat now and facing a tougher level of competition, Robinson thinks
Whitesides can continue to be a power hitter in the professional ranks.

"We think he has some power in
his swing," Robinson said. "That’s going to be part of his player development."

When Whitesides agrees to a contract,
that development will begin in Martinsville, Va., as a member of the Astros’
rookie league affiliate. The Martinsville Astros are members of the Appalachian
League.